Next stage of multi-million pound Eastbourne transformation gets green light

The first stage of the project has taken place

At a virtual meeting on Wednesday (April 22), East Sussex County Council’s lead member for transport Claire Dowling approved proposals to move ahead with phase 2 of a project to improve pedestrian access in Eastbourne’s town centre.

As a result, the scheme will now move ahead to a detailed design stage with construction currently expected to begin in spring next year.

During the meeting, Eastbourne councillor Barry Taylor raised concerns about the safety and design of the scheme.

In response, officers said any concerns could be addressed during the detailed design phase.

However, officers also acknowledged there were ‘lessons to be learned’ from the first phase of the scheme, which had seen criticism from disability access groups.

Building on the first phase of the project, which was completed in January this year, the works would stretch between Bankers Corner through to the junction of Terminus Road and Langney Road.

The works will see the removal of a one-way road system between Bolton Road and Langney Road as well as the creation of a new civic space outside the Marks and Spencer store in Terminus Road.

Supported with funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), the project is slated to cost around £3m.

In a report on the proposals, a council officer said, “The objectives of the scheme are to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, help the vitality of the town centre retail environment, modernise the public realm and promote health and sustainable travel.

“The scheme, funded using £3m of Local Growth Fund monies approved by the SELEP’s Accountability Board in February 2019, will build on the recent investment made in Phase 1, which has improved the environment for pedestrians and public transport users in the northern section of Terminus Road, Cornfield Road and Gildredge Road.

“In light of the public and stakeholder support for the phase two proposals, it is recommended that the scheme is progressed to detailed design and then construction is programmed to commence in spring 2021.”